The Patient Services Team volunteer will help to make hospitalization a more pleasant experience by providing personal attention to the patients in an unhurried manner and to relieve the nursing staff by performing various duties.

Below is a guideline of duties to be performed while the volunteer is on the unit. Unit supervisors may amend these guidelines as appropriate.

When you arrive on the unit, check to see if the dietary trays have been delivered. If they have not, assist each patient with hand washing with soap, water and a warm washcloth prior to eating.
When the trays are delivered, visit each patient to make sure he/she can reach the tray. Offer to open any containers or unwrap silverware.
Assist with the collection of the trays.
Visit each patient again after the trays are collected. Take your time with each patient. Many patients may be lonely and could benefit from some companionship. Offer services such as:
o 'Can I get you a book or magazine to read?'
o 'Can I get you anything from the gift shop?'
o 'Would you like a newspaper?'
o 'Can I help you with anything?'
o 'Can I get you anything?'
o If the patient will be discharged today, offer to help the patient gather his or her items together.
When the volunteer has finished making these friendly visits, remaining time should be spent assisting the staff or unit secretary. This may include, but is not limited to:
o Take newly admitted patient to room, acquainting them with room features and unit. Take admission pack to the patient.
o Pass water, ice or refreshments to patients with permission from a nurse.
o Answer the call bell.
o Answer telephones and take messages.
o Deliver menus and assist patient with menu selection; pick up menus.
o Care for flowers and plants.
o Visit patients at bedside; read newspapers and books to patients according to their interests.
o Write letters for patients.
o Run errands for nurses to Central Supply, Lab, etc.
o Transport patients to and from x-ray, physical therapy, and radiation therapy with permission of nurse.
o Assist in dismissal of patients, accompany patients to Business Office.
o Assist with stocking, cleaning and straightening of the unit.
o Assist in making charts, or helping unit secretary as instructed.
o Strip and make unoccupied beds; check for extra pillows and blankets as needed.

Special Note: No direct patient care is allowed, including taking
temperatures, pulse or blood pressures.

Must be 14 years of age or older. (Some units may require volunteer to be older). Must be a mature, positive, service-oriented individual with emphasis on compassion for patients and visitors. Must have excellent communication skills and be a good listener. Must have a calm, even disposition. Ability to accept supervision and/or criticism. Patient Service team members must be able to walk long distances in order to escort patients and visitors, and must be able to push a wheelchair. Depending on the area of service, the team member may be asked to sit or stand for long periods of time.

All volunteers must attend a general volunteer orientation and a department specific orientation.

Adequate conversational English is required in order that the individual be able to take direction, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with patients and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines and understand the volunteer handbook and all hospital policies. Must be able to read and write.

As a hospital volunteer, you may be exposed to blood, body tissues or fluids, hazardous waste materials, sudden fluctuations in temperature, outside weather radiation, toxins, poisonous substances, dust, chemicals, bodily injury, and loud or unpleasant noises.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Saint Joseph HealthCare

We need volunteers who are free at these times

Evenings Weekends Weekdays

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Adolescents (13-17) Individual Adults (26-54) Young Adults (18-25) Adults (55+)

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills

Companionship Errand Running / Shopping

Contact Person:
Jamine Hamner, Coordinator, (phone), (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

One Saint Joseph Drive Lexington, KY 40504 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.saintjosephhealthcare.org/volunteer

Overall Experience   
I love volunteering and helping other people.

posted by xxKallixx on June 15, 2008